What do I say about this session? This family is in the midst of a storm…a storm of medical terms and doctor’s diagnosis and unknowns. During this time, they stopped and decided to capture the love and the heart of their family. We all know that once we grow up and have children of our own, taking the time to get images with our parents and our siblings often gets put on the back burner…often for far too long. It is good to stop and remember that these images need to be taken as well…and, for this family at this time in their history, to ask me was, well…it was an honor. Such a lovely family. Such a wonderful way to spend the afternoon…I will ask all of my loyal readers to send them some positive healing energy. Prayers. Thoughts. Hugs. Here’s to beating the odds!!!

I love repeat clients. Not only because it’s like visiting with old friends and the joy of seeing their children a year older is something I cherish, but also because there is a great level of trust. When the weather turned to crap so quickly this fall, I imagined some disappointed clients. I was lucky to have very understanding clients, but the ones who trust that I will still be able to capture the heart of their family’s are the ones who I have visited before. We had big plans for this session–outdoors with their airstream trailer, but the weather did not cooperate. Quickly, they recovered from their disappointment and said–just capture us at home(and they have a GORGEOUS home) Next year, we’ll do the trailer!!!

People are often reluctant to let me into their homes because most people think that their homes are nothing special, but the truth is, home is where the heart is I was interviewed recently for a photographer’s forum and I was asked what my favorite locations were…well, at the top of the list is at your house. Hands down. For so many reasons, but mostly because that is where you live…and my goal is always to capture your life…right now. So that 20 years from now, you can look back and remember the little things.

This is probably one of my biggest blog posts to date. And, I still had to leave out images I loved I know it says that you are guaranteed 30 images in your gallery, but what you are really guaranteed is how ever many images it takes for me to tell the story of you…that day. People always ask me ‘how do people choose?’…the truth is, well, they don’t Most people get them all!! Because they really do belong together I am currently working on creating packages for next year that allow you to have your cake and eat it, too!!! I’ll let you know when I get that all worked out. Until then, enjoy some of my favorite images from this fall…not a leaf in sight.

To celebrate my move towards taking wedding clients, I had a contest in September to win a free engagement session!! This gorgeous couple provided the winning entry. A love story that spanned 6 years and 4 continents. One that held a love at first sight moment when they literally spotted each other across a room at a party where he was playing his guitar. Blackbird was the song. Through all the twists and turns that their journey has taken them, they ended up with each other. And, a winter wedding…wish I could be there with you!! Unfortunately, I’m away that weekend!! Best of luck to you both

You know what? I have recently realized, I think through my shooting of weddings and young couples in love, that one of my favorite things to see are two parents who are still so happy and in love with each other. I know that marriage is hard work. BUT, when it is good…it is such a joy for me to witness. This family is so lucky to have that. Look at them Like a couple of teenagers in love. It fills my heart.

So, it was cold. I MEAN REALLY COLD!! These guys were troopers. Super Troopers The thing is…it ended up being the last nice day of the fall colors. I hope they think it was worth it. I DO because when we got back to the house I captured perhaps my favorite series ever–the one with their little guy playing with his cars…I crazy love it.

Enjoy everyone!!! Also, a quick note to say that I am officially booked for the year. If you are expecting a baby, it is best to book your newborn session before you give birth, but, if you don’t, I will always try to squeeze you in. January is also pretty much booked. I think I have space for one or two more sessions. Anyone up for a winter session–some fun in the snow???

From about an hour ago…while uploading a card before my next session, this one caught my eye and I couldn’t help but share. Most Canadian family photograph ever I LOVE MY JOB!!! What a fun morning I had!!!

Getting caught up on some blogging this week. Nothing else to do with all that snow on the ground I’m so excited for this weekend though!! Beautiful weather is on it’s way!!!

This was a beautiful morning…perhaps one of the last ’summer’ mornings we had. As you can see from the images, the kid’s rooms were incredible!!! And, they were super duper cute. This is an active family where mom and dad were right in there with the kids having fun. It was a treat to capture these moments for them!!! AND, I have to admit, I love the trampoline images. Makes me want to run out and get my kids a trampoline!! First, we would need a bigger yard!! Enjoy!

I thought we all needed some warming up on this cold, wintery day…it is, of course, still fall, but when you look outside, you would think it was Christmas…soooo, I went into my files and pulled out what looked like my warmest session from this fall. I am, of course, way behind in blogging and I am unsure if I will ever get caught up…

This was a beautiful family of 6 on one of the most beautiful fall nights of the year. Down in Fish Creek park…

I LOVE the ‘flying baby shot’…and, they do as well(they’re getting it printed HUGE). Rest assured that the dad did in fact, catch the baby…it is a game he plays putting his hands on his hips for a split second. I’m just incredibly fast on my shutter

We were headed back to the car, when the little boy sadly announced that we had not had a turn to play in the leaves. So, I appeased the kids by giving them their chance. The series is one of my favorites from the fall

Have a wonderful, winter day everyone!! Left over pumpkin pie and hot apple cider is a must while I snuggle into my bed tonight to read my book…Fear not–this weekend is supposed to be nice!!!

I’m feeling a little down today. I had to reschedule two sessions I was really looking forward to because of the dark, dreary weather…so, then, to wake up and find snow made it even worse. I thought we could all use a little sunshine to brighten up our day Hello sunshine!!

October is fairly nearly booked. I still have some room in November and I always make room for wee little babies Call soon if you want a session this year as time is truly running out!!!

I used to  put up sneak peeks for all my clients. Well, things have changed and now by the time I get a session up on the blog, the clients have already had their gallery and seen their images. ~sigh~ Last night, I posted a solitary image as a sneak peek on my Facebook group…and I got to thinking. Why don’t I post an image there every few days…like a mini sneak peek except on Facebook??? Soooo, if you would like to see my work–hot off the presses–become my fan on facebook!!! Go here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Short-and-Sweet-Photography-by-Dana-Pugh/59505282776?ref=ts Tonight, I’m going to post this image on there!! This client currently has their gallery so technically, not a sneak peek…but a sneak peek of a blog post yet to come!!! Enjoy!!

I’m getting a lot of requests for maternity images right now!!! It seems like Calgary is going to go through another baby boom This lovely family booked both their maternity and their newborn session with me–which I love!! Because I love coming back for a visit when the baby arrives. And, I cannot wait for this one to come along! Baby is bound to be cute–just look at the parents!!! It was a warm fall evening(which is the only kind we’ve really had so far, isn’t it???) and the light was phenomenal. These guys were troopers marching through weeds and prickly bushes to get to the just the right spots!!!  I certainly wasn’t disappointed!!! Love the light and the colors and the connection between these two lovebirds!! Can’t wait to add a baby to the mix!